Ramen Boy

Drew Lazor gets the cover of this week’s City Paper with his story about Philadelphia’s already out-of-control ramen obsession. Everyone seems to have an opinion on Japanese noodle soup, whether it be ramen, shoyu, shio, miso or tonkotsu, Lazor captures them all. He also gets some news:

• Royal Izakaya & Sushi, still promised “before the summer.”
• Nom Nom Ramen, will open before the end of the month.
• Zento, adding miso and tokotsu bowls to its menu.
• Ramen Room, new standalone ramen-ya concept from Zento’s owners.

Meal Ticket has the story that PGW has knocked out the gas service to the just opened Ramen Boy. A skeptic might suggest this temporary closure has something to do with the damning early reviews from Yelp and elsewhere. Us, we’re just wondering what is up with the Gas Company, as the Chestnut Street Burger.Org had to close down for a couple days after they opened because of gas line problems.

Ramen Boy temporarily closed [Meal Ticket]

Ramen Boy opened last Friday and is getting blasted on the blogs, Yelp and our comments. Jamie from Midtown Lunch found the pork both fatty and bland, while the broth also left her wanting. Philly Phoodie made it to the Chinatown spot on the opening weekend and was not happy. The misso ramen was” bland” but the true issue (as pictured above) was the nasty “shoe leather” quality meat.

Over on Yelp, the restaurant is currently pulling a 1½ star rating and even if you discount the hating one-star review from Question Mark Heads with a single review, there are plenty of ramen enthusiasts panning the new restaurant.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such a universally negative reaction to a new restaurant. Hopefully the owners take note.

Ramen Boy [Facebook]

The past two weekends have had some significant stories and traffic for Foobooz. So since people are coming to the site on weekends, we’re opening this post up to general discussion.

Have you had anything great to eat? Share it here. Looking for suggestions for drinks tonight or brunch tomorrow? Ask away.

Ramen Boy has now opened at 204 North 9th Street in Chinatown. The team of Yakitori Boy will be slinging soup six days a week. [The Insider]

Roundeye Noodle Bar has announced the date of its next ramen pop-up. Save the date for February 26th. This one will be reservations only. Details to follow. [Facebook]

One of the most common foodie complaints of the last several years in Philadelphia is the lack of serious ramen joints. But there is hope on the horizon, or maybe just over the horizon.

The Royal Sushi and Izakaya, by the fine team behind the Khyber, Royal Tavern and Cantinas, was initially promised for September. That date has come and gone but the project is still a go. We’re just going to have to wait a few more months.

We missed this when it was originally reported but we’re excited to see that Yakitori Boy is looking to opening Ramen Boy, a ramen spot at 204 N 9th Street. No solid timeline on that spot.

Where Can You Get Ramen Today »